Golan Heights

The Golan Heights sits on a volcanic plateau in northeastern Israel, part of the broader Galilee region, near Mount Hermon and the Sea of Galilee. Soils are volcanic basalt and basaltic tuff studded with black basalt stone, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. Elevations ranging from 1,300 to nearly 4,000 feet create a genuinely cool climate unusual for the Middle East, with cold winters that bring snowfall, warm days, and cool nights. These significant diurnal temperature swings preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes.

• Volcanic basalt and tuff soils dominate the entire plateau
• Elevation ranges from 400 to approximately 1,200 meters above sea level
• Cold winters with snowfall and pronounced day-night temperature differences define the climate
• Located near Katzrin in northeastern Israel, adjacent to Mount Hermon

Modern winemaking in the Golan Heights began when the first vineyards were planted in 1976. Golan Heights Winery was established in 1983 as a cooperative of eight kibbutzim and moshavim, releasing its first vintage in 1984. The winery is widely credited with igniting the quality revolution in Israeli wine, fundamentally transforming both the actual quality of production and international perception of what Israeli wine could achieve. Victor Schoenfeld has served as chief winemaker since 1992, providing remarkable continuity during the region's rise to prominence.

• First vineyards planted in 1976; Golan Heights Winery founded 1983
• First vintage released 1984
• Victor Schoenfeld has been chief winemaker since 1992
• Credited with starting the broader quality revolution in Israeli wine

The Golan Heights grows an unusually wide range of varieties, benefiting from its cool, high-altitude conditions. Red wines are led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Gamay Noir, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Cao also planted. Whites include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Muscat. The region produces still red and white wines, sparkling wines, and dessert wines, with the cool climate enabling a breadth of styles rarely found elsewhere in Israel.

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot are the flagship red varieties
• Cool elevation allows successful cultivation of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer
• Sparkling and dessert wines are produced alongside still wines
• Approximately 18 grape varieties are cultivated across the region

Golan Heights Winery is Israel's third largest winery and the dominant force in the region, encompassing approximately 28 vineyards divided into roughly 450 vineyard blocks across about 1,557 acres. The winery markets wines under four brands: Yarden (flagship), Gamla, Gilgal, and Mount Hermon. It was the first Israeli winery to adopt the LODI RULES sustainable certification from California. Other notable producers include Chateau Golan Winery, Galil Mountain Winery, Pelter Brothers Winery, Assaf Winery, and Edom Mountain Winery, with around 18 wineries now operating across the plateau.

• Golan Heights Winery markets four brands: Yarden, Gamla, Gilgal, and Mount Hermon
• Winery encompasses 28 vineyards split into approximately 450 individual blocks
• First Israeli winery to adopt LODI RULES California sustainable certification
• Approximately 18 wineries now operate in the Golan Heights region